[Nundduedola]

Hey Guys, I need you to please answer a few questions ASAP for me if you have a minute to spare - It's for a pretty important project (for me).
Please be honest and dont get too carried away in instant reactions...
1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up) (That is, IF you have been brought up! )
Thanks, guys!

[RerRibreLok]

1. The only affordable 6-seat car in the US (as far as I know) is the Mazda5, and that should be inherently exciting enough.
2. More technogadget stuff.
3. I would sacrifice excitement for comfort.
4. B
5. Bad idea.
6. That would be fun, something even more cooler if the Microbus were revived, if you carch my drift.
7. The lounge van.
8. More technogadget stuff (i.e. bluetooth for my cellphone, rear view camera, etc.)
9. 17; USA and Taiwan

[Roneyslelry]

Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »
1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
IMO, the Mazda 5. It is a very good price over here (Around $18,000), uses its space wisely (6 people in what is basically a Mazda 3), and also it gets rather good fuel economy which I suspect will become more of a buying factor soon.
Quote »
2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
In the U.S at least, I would like to see a hybrid or diesel engine be put in a minivan. Also, roll down windows for all 3 rows would be nice. And a backup camera too, because the larger minivans can be especially hard to park.
Quote »
3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
I would rather sacrifice excitment for comfort. Majority of the time, it's really quite impossible to use the "excitment factor" of a car, anyway.
Quote »4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
IMO, a minivan is for carrying people, it's not a sports car. So I choose B.
Quote »5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
I would hate to be in such a contraption. Would feel too unsafe for me. Do a google search for "Bajaj" and you'll come across such a vehicle.
Quote »6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
I would prefer to lounge in a living room in my house. Sorry, don't like the idea.
Quote »7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
I would like to see a comfortable minivan that is either a diesel or a hybrid, has lots of nifty features, and uses its interior space VERY wisely.
Quote »8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
See above.
Quote »9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up) (That is, IF you have been brought up! )
U.S of A.
PEACE

[Nundduedola]

Thanks fellas... hmmm, the motorbike idea was different to Bajaj, but it does seem to be sounding too third-world for many rather than exciting.
But please do keep answering!

[Smeaphvalialm]

Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
I would have to go with the Chrysler Pacifica, although the New Mazda crossover is looking like loths of fun. IMHO, for the price, few vehicles can match the Pacifica for style roomines and plethora of features offered.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?

regular power plugs (not cigarrete lighter type) for for user held devices placed throughout the vehicle.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
are we still talking about a people mover? If so exciting driving dynamics wouldn't be expected, but solid sure footed ones would be. a Happy medium is probably preferable for most dayly drivers, regardless of the car.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
see previous answer.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
Sounds like a fun showcar, but has little practical merit. It sounds like a collision safety nightmare.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
Look at today's Chrysler minivans and how popular they are. The only thing that would make them more loung like would be an option to make the first rown of rear buckets face rearward. being able to lay the rear bench perfectly flat, so that it can double as a comfortable bed might not be a bad thing either.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
Plugs, lots of plugs.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
for the driver, Voice activated commands that actually work and don't require a PHD to operate. for everyone else, Plugs and perhaps an inexpensive way to provide high speed internet access to passengers. Wireless preferably, so you don't have to add more electronic crap to the car.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up) (That is, IF you have been brought up!
Old. several different countries.

[vulikox]

1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
Mazda CX-9 because of the styling and handling dynamics

2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
Easy to clean flooring like the Honda Element has, power folding seats...

3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
I would sacrifice exciting dynamics for comfort

4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
An amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel

5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
I think that would be a cool thing to have as long as safety was top notch

6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
I think thats a great idea as well

7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
the moving lounge room

8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
a mini fridge and some type of pneumatic/ air suspension that could bring the van down to ground level to increase accessability and decrease costs for those with pasengers who are handicapped.

9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up) (That is, IF you have been brought up! )
18, USA


Modified by AccordAzed at 9:32 AM 5/22/2006

[ElectraDupu]

1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
I would say R-Class, but since its an affordable one i would say Mazda CX-9
2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
More 'house-like features', cooking, microwave, tv, you know what i mean.
3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
Id swap exciting dynamics for Comfort
4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
A
5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
Yes i would like the idea, but wouldn't a car be more practical?
6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
Like the idea, but would cost quite a lot and would cause wuite a few changes to roads etc.
7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
The Lounge idea.
8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
Some type of conversion, electonic of course, that would make the vehicle more aerodynamic, more downforce etc.
9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up)
13, UK

[Kayakeenemeds]

1. Mercedes Benz R Class
2. More connection with the outside world, more glass.
3. Comfort is more important in this day and age.
4. B
5. Motorbikes are deadly, so I wouldn't consider this an option, especially for families.
6. The idea is great, but the logistics of making it a reality would be almost impossible.
7. Lounge
8. A true computer inside the car, possibly as a nav system.
9. 17, United Kingdom & Mallorca


Modified by MOORHOUSE at 7:30 PM 5/22/2006

[icedrakona]

Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »Hey Guys, I need you to please answer a few questions ASAP for me if you have a minute to spare - It's for a pretty important project (for me).
Please be honest and dont get too carried away in instant reactions...
1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up) (That is, IF you have been brought up! )
Thanks, guys!
1. Opel Meriva of Mazda5. Both for style and function.
2. Nothing I can think of for Europe, USA needs diesels. Maybe more technological things, too?
3. Sacrifice dynamics/excitment for comfort
4. B
5. Sounds like a car to me
6. I think it is quite cool and interesting, but somewhat impractical
7. Lounge-Mobile
8. Computer with Wi-Fi
9. 16, USA and Canada

P.S. - I've got the perfect people mover for you 1997 Mercury Sable Station wagon. Seats 8, with minor discomfort (Hate to be the ones sitting on the middle section up front and in the magic [read: rumble] seat.

[fudelholf]

1. Mazda5, Very nice desing inside and out. Good price and lotsa fun.
2. Ummm good q. Well a huge sunroof that actually opens like a sunroof, not a glass roof.
3. Sacrifice excitement for comfort.
4. A
5. Doesnt sound very safe.
6. Good idea not sure if it'll atract much people tho.
7. The lounge room
8. Stowable seats/couches/tables.
9. 17, Colombia.

[AngelBee]

1. Mazda 5, only one I have had experience with
2. More space in a smaller package and more relaxing and technology features
3. Depends if we are talking about the 6 seater than comfort if not then performance
4.B
5. Sounds unusual and impractical
6. Cool
7. The second one
8. Flamethrowers
seriously a large tv in the back that can pick up HD signals while moving
9. 17, USA

[MexicoCity]

1- I would have to say the Chrysler Pacifica, cant beat it, its got it all design and function.

2- A backup camera, bigger sun roofs that open, all tree windows go down and power folding seats for 2nd and 3rd row seats.

3- I say comfort because its a 6 seater more then anything.
4- A
5- That be nice, so like a convertible Mini Van?
6- Sounds great and very comfortable
7- question 6
8- A mini fridge, a PC, ride hight
9- 19, Canada

[Nundduedola]

Thanks for all the replies guys, If possible KEEP THEM COMING. The more replies the better.

So far, it looks like people are pretty conservative about cars (which isn't good or bad, but it helps me aim my project properly). Technology is an important issue raised here too. Thanks to all for replying, keep the answers coming!

[boffincash]

Question One: I can honestly say no Minivan exiting, well none in Australia anyway.
Quesntion Two: Style would be a great start, then some dynamics?
Question Three: For me a car needs to excite me everytime I drive it. It can't just be safe and reliable, it needs some substance to make me want to drive it.
Guestion Four: A, because currently there are no amazing driving people movers in my opinion.
Question Five: Motorbike seating sounds interesting, but I don't think it would be confortable in the long run. I'd have to try it. So I'd say scrap the motorbike, and put motorbike seating in a car!
Question Six: I doubt you could get a lounge-room to dive well, so nope.
Question Seven: Option one. You can already buy a moving lounge room, a motorhome.
Question Eight: Apart from dynamics? More of a focus on kid-friendlyness. East to use DVD players, tough and hard plastics, and removeable carpet and rear seats so it's easy to clean mess. Fully adjustable second and third row seats for comfort.
Question Nine: Australia, 17

[SpyRemo]

1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
The Honda Odyssey would be my pick. Simply because it embodies everything a minivan should be but as an added bonus, it drives like a car and it looks beautiful.
2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
I think diesels and hybrids should be more prolific in MPV's - for obvious reasons. Plus, new MPV's should become less of a 'mini-bus' and more of a lounge room on wheels; a large car that should automatically make you feel comfortable and make you feel at home. Not only will this be good for the driver, but also for the litany of kids in the back seats. New-age MPV's should be very ergonomic and, most importantly, should keep the driver in control of the car; stuff like the seatbelt reminder featured on the Honda Civic, child locks on, well, everything really.
3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
I definately want comfort in an MPV. While I wouldn't mind an MPV which drives more like a car, I think comfort should be the top priority in an MPV.
4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
I think, if (a) were to arise, you'd sacrifice the basic principles of an MPV. As hard as they try, a 7 seat car with a long wheelbase, small wheels, FWD and a tall roofline with a small-capacity engine will NEVER become a sports car - unless of course, you were to sacrifice what makes an MPV an MPV.
So, alas, (b) is my choice.
5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
Wouldn't that just make the car absurdly long? Anyway, I personally don't think it's a good idea at all.
6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
As I said before, I think this should be what the new-age MPV's should strive to be.
7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
The idea of a "lounge on wheels" is my pick.
8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
Y'know, I wouldn't mind airbags installed in the back of seats to protect one's sitting behind you. I find the space behind the front seats in MPV's to be very small, and I don't think seat-belt tensioners would do the trick adquately in the onset of a head-on collision. Extra safety never hurts. Basically, just child-proofing the car, left, right and center.
9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up)
15. Brought up in S. Korea and Australia.

[auctionlover]

Can't stay here too long but I'll do one.
1. Pacifica. I bought one. I love the safty and handling.

[amotoustict]

1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
Fiat Multipla. Yes, its hideous, but it's also compact, a good drive and it carries 6 comfortably. Otherwise, Mazda5, Honda FR-V.
2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
Complete flexibility of the interior, even better interior space management, large trunks with all the seats up ( it's a problem with most European compact MPV's ). Oh, and an ice cream machine
3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
In a minivan i'd sacrifice the dynamics.
4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
b.
5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
I doesn't sound good. How would you transport very small children and/or pets?
6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
I love it. It's what minivans should be like in the future.
7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
The lounge van.
8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
I think minivans are probably the only type of car that could get away with a Auto-pilot feature, allowing the whole family to socialize.
9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up)
26, Portugal.

[scewLacysmazy]

1. What do you reckon is the most exciting, affordable for the average family, 6 seat city/road based car available and briefly, why?
the Ssanyong Stavic for car dynamics, looks and affordabillity.
2. What do you think a XXI Century People Mover/Minivan should have that so far hasn't been available on one?
6/7 seater that can actually sit that amount of adults in comfort & take there luggage.
3. Would you rather sacrifice comfort for exciting dynamics, or sacrifice the excitement for comfort if you couldn't have both things up to top standard?
Comfort, doesn't the dynamics determine the comfort ?
4. Do you think a van would be cooler if (a) it was an amazing imitation of a sport's car dynamics and feel, so you dont have to sacrifice your "want" for a sports car when family arrives, or (b) if it made exciting the role of carrying people even if the car had nothing to do with being sporty?
A
5. What do you think of the idea of a motorbike for 6 people, with motorbike seating but adequate space for each passenger, with roof and sides and all safety features of a car?
Hate it not a bike person
6. What do you think of the idea of a moving lounge room/van?
Already here in commercial based MPV eg Multivan and Viano, Good Idea.
7. Rate both previous ideas against each other. Which would you rather see if you could only see 1?
The Lounge idea
8. Now that you are on track, what (realistic feature invented or not) would you love to see in your family car for 6?
Rear Camera in bumper for safety.
9. Please state your age and in what country(es) you were brought up)
19, Australia

[Alliopeti]

1: Definitely the Mazda5!!!!! Listen to me since I OWN one. Mazda is right on, it has the Zoom zoom feel to it and it definitely does the best of what its supposed to do, carry a family in style, comfort and definitely sipping gas.
2: I agree with phaeton, being able to carry 6/7 passengers AND their luggage comfortably.
3: For something like a minivan, sacrificing dynamics for comfort, but Mazda5 hasnt sacrificed any.
4: A, its better.
5: Unsafe, just not a good idea.
6: Great except its pricey, sometimes too big to handle, and loves gas. Come on, who is going to be THAT homesick that they need a lounge van. I got two words: STAY HOME!
7: Id have to go with the lounge though they both arent good ideas.
8: Navigation STANDARD, come on what's a minivan for?
9: CANADA, South Korea ( Go Corea Go!! (World Cup))

[Nundduedola]

Cheers guys, these answers are giving me great results so far...
You have really helped me get on track for this project. Deffinitely some Ideas that I planed to use have been coincidentially mentioned, and some others I have been able to think about. Cheers!
You're still in time to answer if you haven't